Blue-bordered Carpet

The earliest notification of this species is published in Stephens (1829) with the Rev. William Little recording it at Raehills (VC72).

Lennon (1863) found it at Lochaber (VC73). Gordon (1919) found it abundant among alders at Corsemalzie, Wigtownshire, with darker forms occurring with the typical ones. Earliest date was 10th July 1912. One came to light on 26th September 1910.

Sir Arthur Duncan (1909-84) during his lifetime had found it at Castlehill, Dumfries (VC72). The next record was in 1964 at Garlieston Bay (VC74) followed by RIS data from 1975-82 at Waterside Mains (VC72), Bridge of Dee and Gatehouse of Fleet (VC73).

There was a thirteen year gap then, until during the period 1995-99 when there were a dozen records. The first decade of the 21st century yielded only 15 records, with the last Wigtownshire record back in 1964.

Form ab. semifumosa Cockayne

In this form the white areas on the forewings are greyish. It was first noted in 1899 by the Gordon brothers at Corsemalzie (VC74) and in further years up until 1906.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg, generally laid in the fork of a twig on Alder and Blackthorn. Larvae are present late April to early June, with pupation taking place in a cocoon on the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

Larval feed on mainly Alder and Blackthorn, with birches, Hawthorn and fruit trees also recorded.

Identification

Unmistakeable. Our race plumbata has the central crossband complete whereas the nominate race of further south in Britain does not.